Arts

The Dick Institute, The Palace Theatre and Dean Castle Country Park provide a thrilling programme of exhibitions, events, festivals and entertainment, featuring music from the likes of The View, Amy Macdonald, Calvin Harris, Idlewild and Eddi Reader, as well as a varied theatre programme including contemporary drama, a monthly (and sell out) Comedy Club and of course the hugely popular pantomime!

Our festival programme includes Summer Symphony at Dean Castle where we welcome outdoor theatre companies to perform in the spectacular setting of Dean Castle courtyard. The Harvest Festival is a celebration of rural life, food and nature, where all things delicious are available alongside new folk music. Imprint Festival is an opportunity to hear some of the UK’s most celebrated authors, in the intimate setting of the Burns Monument Centre.

Kilmarnock and East Ayrshire are widely recognised as being one of Scotland’s key destinations for those seeking cultural excitement and innovation. The 2013 Creative Scotland Creative Place Award was won by the region’s Cultural Services in partnership with Town Centre Regeneration and Centrestage.